ATTENTION

refers to is determined by

Individual’s ability to process The stimulus, the individual, and

information in his\her environment. the situation.

Internal Factors External Elements

These elements encourage the individual to respond to External factors are related to the characteristics of
objective factors and to engage in activities that fulfill stimuli. The situations described are frequently the
his/her own goals, as well as those that suit his outcome of external circumstances or stimuli that aid
interests and attitude. It is the perceiver’s mental state. in attracting our attention.

Motives Intensity Change

Mood Size Colour

Interest Motion Contrast

Emotion Novelty Emotional Burden

Type of Attention

Focused Sustained Divided Selective

Attention Attention Attention Attention

A brief response A level of It is the ability to When there are a

to a highly concentration perform multiple lot of stimuli
specific tactile, that produces tasks, depending (especially task-
auditory, or consistent results on the degree of related stimuli),
visual stimulus for the same task complexity of it’s easier to
that can last as over a long such activities. avoid irrelevant
little as eight period of time. The degree to stimuli, according
seconds. The majority of which you are to research.
adults and accustomed to When there are
teenagers are dividing your simply a few
incapable of attention and stimuli, however,
maintaining your age both the brain can
sustained affect your perceive both
attention on a ability to do so. irrelevant and
single task for relevant stimuli.
more than
twenty minutes
and will instead
choose to
refocus on the
task, allowing
them to pay
attention to
things that are
longer, such as
movies.
 DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVI
TY DISORDER
ADHD
Inattention Hyperactivity Impulsivity

Means a person may Means a person may

Means a person may
seem to move about act without thinking
have difficulty
constantly, including or have difficulty with
staying on task,
in situations when it self-control.
sustaining focus, and
is not appropriate, or Impulsivity could also
staying organized,
excessively fidgets, include a desire for
and these problems
taps, or talks. In immediate rewards
are not due to
adults, hyperactivity or the inability to
defiance or lack of
may mean extreme delay gratification.
comprehension.
restlessness or An impulsive person
talking too much. may interrupt others
or make important
decisions without
considering long-
term consequences.

Signs and Symptoms

ADHD is more common in males than females, and females

Are more severe
with ADHD are more likely to primarily have inattention
Occur more often
symptoms. People with ADHD often have other conditions,
Interfere with or reduce the quality of how
such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorder, conduct
they function socially, at school, or in a job
disorder, depression, and substance use disorder.

Overlook or miss details and make seemingly
careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during
other activities
Have difficulty sustaining attention during play or
tasks, such as conversations, lectures, or lengthy
reading
Not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Find it hard to follow through on instructions or finish
schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace, or
may start tasks but lose focus and get easily
sidetracked
Have difficulty organizing tasks and activities, doing
tasks in sequence, keeping materials and belongings
in order, managing time, and meeting deadlines
Avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort,
such as homework, or for teens and older adults,
preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing
lengthy papers
Lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as
school supplies, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys,
paperwork, eyeglasses, and cell phones
Be easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
Be forgetful in daily activities, such as chores,
errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments
Fidget and squirm while seated
Leave their seats in situations when staying seated
is expected, such as in the classroom or the office
Run, dash around, or climb at inappropriate times
or, in teens and adults, often feel restless
Be unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly
Be constantly in motion or on the go, or act as if
driven by a motor
Talk excessively
Answer questions before they are fully asked, finish
other people’s sentences, or speak without waiting
for a turn in a conversation
Have difficulty waiting one’s turn
Interrupt or intrude on others, for example in
conversations, games, or activities

Treatment and Therapies

Medication Psychotherapy and

Psychosocial Interventions

Stimulants Behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Non-stimulants

Family and marital therapy

Parenting skills training (behavioral parent

management training)

Specific behavioral classroom management

interventions and/or academic accommodations

Stress management techniques

Support groups